How to Not Hate and Dread High School

It’s not easy. There are lots of reasons to hate or at least strongly dislike high school. What if you’ve done what you could to self-advocate and educate your teachers and classmates, but can’t help but dread going back to school every day? Here are some tips from others like you who got through…

FIND A REFUGE. For some it’s sports, for others it’s art class, metals shop, band, or the newspaper. Is there somewhere you can go when you have a break? People who know you who you’d always like to see? Sometimes having a refuge at school will make school more bearable.

FIND A MENTOR OR SOMEONE WHO ENCOURAGES YOU. If there’s a teacher you admire or a friend who encourages, find reasons to spend more time with them. Lose negative people or people who bring you down; they will only sap your energy and make it harder to do whatever you’re trying to do.

REALIZE THAT HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT FOREVER. Some people really like or even love high school, but if you’re reading this article, it’s not you. High school can be one of the most frustrating times for dyslexic students. The good news is that it’s not forever and won’t ever define or determine what will happen to you. Your best times are ahead. High school’s days are numbered.

ACCEPT WHAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE. It was the ancient Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius who said, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you you will find strength.” Down through the years, the Stoic philosophy has resonated with people in difficult situations because there is so much we can’t control about our environment, especially in high school.

Other tidbits of helpful advice from the Stoics includes things like preparing for the negativity of others, staying true to your long goals, say no to things that really don’t matter, and not forgetting to refresh yourself daily by doing things like taking walks outside.

LOOK FORWARD. Realize that every day you finish is one step closer to being done. High school is a drain for everyone who is dyslexic…but it won’t last forever.

Work to improve what you can improve about your school environment, whether it’s talking to your teachers about accommodations or taking a more active role in designing a school day that works for you.

You don’t have to love high school and the truth is, most people don’t. Hold onto the dreams that you have for yourself. The best is yet to come.